Scratchy fabrics, loud noises, the sights and smells of pungent foods … Most of us can just let these sensory experiences pass us by, but people with sensory processing disorder seem to have a stronger reaction—and sometimes an underreaction—to certain sensory stimuli.1 We get it: sensory processing disorder can be a lot! Experiencing challenges with sensory processing … Read more
If you’ve ever been in a highly stressful situation, you’ve likely experienced the fight-or-flight response. Your pulse races, your breathing speeds up, your pupils dilate—all in response to a perceived danger. These symptoms serve an important purpose in some situations, but they can feel disruptive and uncomfortable in others. Someone with a mental health condition, … Read more
What is the most important information I should know about panic attack medications? If you are taking panic attack medications: do not suddenly stop taking your medicine or reduce your dose without talking to your doctor; some medications can cause serious or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Medication is one of the most popular and effective treatment … Read more
Panic attacks can be extremely difficult to deal with. They typically come on suddenly, bringing on escalating feelings of dread and anxiety. Many people with panic attacks may also have bothersome physical symptoms, such as shaking, rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. Although not life-threatening, panic attacks can be frightening, disorienting, and mentally and physically … Read more
Breathing is a necessity of life that usually occurs without much thought. When we breathe in, blood cells receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a waste product that’s carried back through your body and exhaled. Improper breathing can upset the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange and contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, fatigue, and other … Read more
During a panic attack or sudden anxiety episode, the fight-or-flight response is activated, which can lead to an intense cascade of uncomfortable symptoms, including shortness of breath and hyperventilating. Whether you have had a single panic attack or have been diagnosed with panic disorder, experiencing shortness of breath can feel incredibly unsettling and frightening. Better … Read more
Panic attacks cause a variety of symptoms that may feel overwhelming, uncontrollable, and frightening. These can include heart palpitations, shaking, sweating, hyperventilation, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, depersonalization, numbness, and fear. Panic attacks are the main symptom of panic disorder, but they can occur with other mental health and medical conditions. It’s helpful to explore the most … Read more
Panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) share some symptoms, such as excessive worrying; however, they’re two separate, distinct mental health conditions. Learn about these two common mental health conditions and the differences between them. Panic Disorder Recurring panic attacks Fear of going insane or losing control Feelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from … Read more
If you have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it is essential to learn how to cope with persistent anxiety and physical symptoms. While everyone’s experience with GAD is different, there are many common symptoms that almost everyone will experience to some degree. These symptoms include physical symptoms (muscle tension, body aches, etc.), behavioral symptoms (procrastination, isolation, etc.), and emotional symptoms … Read more
Many of us struggle with anxiety in our daily lives, whether it’s due to work stress, personal challenges, or just the general chaos of the world around us. However, there are strategies we can use to cope with anxiety and keep it from overwhelming us. Enter: the 3-3-3 rule. The 3-3-3 rule is a super … Read more